En Natus Est Emmanuel
Evandro Oliva
The Divine Birth: A Celebration of Emmanuel
“En Natus Est Emmanuel” by Evandro Oliva is a beautiful and reverent song that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, also known as Emmanuel. The lyrics are in Latin, a language often associated with sacred and historical Christian texts, which adds a timeless and solemn quality to the song. The repeated use of the word 'Dominus,' meaning 'Lord,' emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus and his role as the Savior of humanity.
The song begins by announcing the birth of Emmanuel, a name that means 'God with us,' as foretold by the angel Gabriel. This reference to Gabriel connects the song to the biblical account of the Annunciation, where Gabriel tells Mary that she will give birth to Jesus. The lyrics highlight the fulfillment of this prophecy, underscoring the significance of Jesus' birth in Christian theology.
Throughout the song, the refrain 'Dominus Salvator noster est' ('The Lord is our Savior') is repeated, reinforcing the central message of Jesus as the Savior. The imagery of Jesus lying in a manger ('Hic jacet in praesepio') and being a 'Puer admirabilis' ('wonderful child') evokes the humble and miraculous nature of his birth. The song also mentions that this light ('Haec lux') was born today from the Virgin Mary, emphasizing the miraculous and divine nature of Jesus' birth.
Evandro Oliva's musical style, which often incorporates classical and sacred elements, perfectly complements the solemn and celebratory tone of the lyrics. The song serves as a reminder of the hope and salvation that Jesus' birth represents for Christians around the world, making it a fitting piece for the Christmas season and other religious celebrations.